DU's LaLeggia succeeding despite smaller stature

At this point last year, Denver Pioneers' head coach George Gwozdecky and his staff were hesitant about playing defenseman Joey LaLeggia in all situations. The 5'9”, 180-pounder arrived in the Mile-High city with tremendous offensive skills, but due to his smaller frame Gwozdecky and his staff had to be careful not to put the smaller player in a vulnerable position on the ice.

A year later, however, the 2011-12 WCHA Rookie of the Year, who led all NCAA rookie defensemen with 38 points, has erased much doubt from the Pioneer’s coaching staff about his defensive abilities. After being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round (123rd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, LaLeggia has developed into one of Denver’s top defensemen this year and can now be seen in all portions of the Pioneer lineup.… read more